EXPERT ADVICE

Canva Picking Nails

What is a nail habit-tic & can it be treated?

By Katie Barnes | 12 February 2025

When a client sits at your nail desk and presents you with a nail like the below, you may wonder whether it is a contraindication that you should not treat. This is habit-tic deformity. Most commonly seen on the thumbnails, this nail condition is usually a result of onychotillomania: a…

Read More
Apprenticeships Header Lacie The Beauty Room Brentwood

Nail & beauty apprenticeships: salons share benefits, their experiences & advice

By Rebecca Hitchon | 11 February 2025

In a recent poll on Scratch’s Instagram, almost 80% of respondents shared that they’re considering taking on apprentices. Here, two UK salons share how they’ve reaped the rewards of the apprenticeship process.. Nailspa, West Yorkshire “As a business owner, I believe that when it comes to employees, you cannot beat…

Read More
Lilly Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px 87

Self-employment help for nail techs: legal, financial & operational considerations

By Lilly Delmage | 5 February 2025

All the legal, financial and operational factors to consider before making those all-important choices… Deciding to become a self-employed nail tech is just the beginning, and we’re here to help you navigate it all. From choosing whether to work from home or as a mobile tech, to deciding which insurance…

Read More
Feb25 Low Res Cover Scratch For Web

Read the latest issue

Hands Globe Eco

Here’s how your beauty business can reduce its environmental impact

By Guest Writer | 14 April 2022

Victoria Brownlie, chief policy officer at the British Beauty Council shares guidance to support eco efforts in the beauty sector… While most people are committed to working more sustainably, I have noticed a real disconnect between where world leaders, governments, NGOs and big business see challenges, compared to the average…

Read More
Becca Web Newsfeature Lead 1200x800px

How to avoid bridal nail disasters

By Rebecca Hitchon | 6 April 2022

Planning a wedding can be one of the most stressful times for a bride, so ensure their nails aren’t an area of worry by putting in place plans to prevent nail mishaps. “There is a lot that could potentially go wrong at a wedding, so you need to explain to…

Read More
Gel Polish Removal

Here’s what to do if your client wants to remove gel polish at home

By Katie Barnes | 5 April 2022

Any damage to the natural nail is usually the result of improper application or removal, overly aggressive filing, or client abuse such as picking or biting. When both L&P and gel enhancements and coverings are applied, maintained, and removed correctly, no damage should occur. Since the beginning of the pandemic,…

Read More
Stress Mental Health Breathe

How to tackle stressful work situations as a nail tech

By Guest Writer | 5 April 2022

Session nailist, Stephanie Staunton, reveals how to overcome and tackle challenges that face a number of nail pros… We all know that life gets tough sometimes and problems can seem rife, so I want to share some of the most stressful situations I encounter as a session tech – and…

Read More
Katie Barnes Scratch Stars 2

Scratch Stars Awards: Am I good enough?

By Katie Barnes | 22 March 2022

So many techs think they aren’t good enough or ready to compete in industry competitions, such as the Scratch Stars Awards. I have news for you – no one is ever 100% ready. If you wait until you are ready, you’ll never achieve your goals. Having low confidence isn’t necessary…

Read More
Emma Web Featured Image 1200x800px 2022 03 17t144412.510

5 ways to turn bridal clients into nail & beauty regulars

By Guest Writer | 17 March 2022

Beauty business expert and founder of Beauty Boss HQ, Layla Tourh, serves up advice for how you can turn bridal clients into regular clients…  If there’s one industry we can count on to be very busy this year, it would be the wedding industry! Many brides have been waiting a…

Read More